Catching - Squat

Although the catcher must posess a number of skills to be a complete player, the fact is the catcher spends most of the game receiving the ball from the pitcher. Many young catchers don't realize the impact of what they do behind the plate and the affect that is has on the pitcher and the umpire. You will have an affect on the pitchers ability to be effective. Be determined to make that influence a positive one.

Body Position

As a catcher you will have two basic positions from which you will receive the ball.

1. No base runners
   Get in a comfortable position where you will be squatting behind home plate. This is a position that you will spend a lot of time in, so make sure it's comfortable. Since you are catching the ball with your left hand, you will want to position your feet so your left foot is slightly ahead of your right foot (just an inch or two). This will shift your body slightly to allow your left arm freedom to move without exposing the side of your body to being hit in an unprotected area by a foul tip.
2. Runner on first or second
   Use the same basic position, with the difference being that you will spread you feet out farther apart and lift your back-end up to be in a position to quickly throw the ball.

Arm Position

Your catching arm should be slightly bent at the elbow. Make sure you don't get your elbow positioned inside your left knee. This will inhibit your ability to move your arm to catch the ball.